To Love a Wicked Scoundrel Read Online Free PDF

returned to the runaway hack and the loss of his artwork. He did not fear discovery as no one in their right mind could decipher the scrawled signature in the lower corner of each work as his name. But the paintings were a part of him, an expression put upon canvas, and he wanted them returned. The hackney yard had record of Brooks ordering a hired vehicle, yet two had shown instead of one, the second carriage arriving nearly twenty minutes later than the first, the driver flustered and apologetic. The entire situation vexed Con immensely.
    Taking a long sip of brandy, he glanced to where his friends played at the bagatelle board. The clicking noise of the ivory balls as they struck the pins distracted him from his dark thoughts and he snatched up the cue stick as soon as it was thrust in his direction.
    ‘How is it that you never tire of these evenings? Were you to take count, how many events of the ton have you attended over the years?’ Devlin asked the question, although his tone implied he did not expect a serious answer.
    ‘Do you regret your abrupt absence from the social scene, or do you merely prod me towards wedded bliss to help me avoid the monotony of these evenings?’ Constantine paused and realigned his stick. ‘It is not all as it appears. While I attend these functions out of obligation, there is little to spark my interest. I suppose the ton and I share an unhealthy dependency. Lately, more than anything else, these gatherings feel an exercise in tedium.’ He completed a difficult shot and grinned with confidence. ‘Although last week Lord Croft accidently dropped his quizzing glass down the bodice of Lady Hemphrey’s dress. I might not have known anything had happened as I was seeking fresh air on the terrace, but Lady Hemphrey cornered me and made me aware of the mishap. She proceeded to suggest I be the one to retrieve the monocle. I narrowly escaped. She is much stronger than I presumed a sixty-year-old woman to be.’
    ‘Better that than to be pursued by a matchmaking mama at her daughter’s first come out.’ Phineas missed his shot, but appeared no worse for it.
    ‘Con? With an innocent?’ Devlin stifled a laugh. ‘I cannot imagine such a thing. Too much potential for disaster there: angry fathers; duel-threatening brothers. Our friend is all about pleasure easily found.’ He aligned his cue and took the next shot.
    ‘Indeed, you have a point.’
    The three men shared a chuckle and the evening continued in a jovial manner. When they had completed two rounds of bagatelle and knew they could no longer remain preoccupied in the study, the men walked to the main ballroom and out among the crush. Too many couples occupied the dance floor now the event was in full swing. As Con contemplated escape, he eyed the double doors leading to the foyer and stalled. His entire body pulsed with awareness.
    ‘Who is she?’
    Bloody hell, she was a goddess.
    He waved his gloved hand towards the doorway and his friends turned in the direction indicated, although Con was hardly aware of anyone talking beside him.
    ‘Haven’t the foggiest?’ Phineas spared a fleeting glance.
    ‘I have never seen her before. Leave it to you to find the newcomer in the crowd. There are easily three hundred people crammed in this ballroom. Your attention to detail is a gift.’ Devlin excused himself and Phineas remained, his expression dark as he considered the dense crowd.
    A footman walked by and Constantine paused him with a touch to his shoulder. ‘Do me a favour, good man, and inquire as to the name of the lady near the arched doorway. I will await your return. If she will allow it, inform her Lord Highborough requests the last waltz of the evening.’
    The footman scurried away without hesitation and Phineas whirled in his direction, his brows raised and eyes wide.
    ‘I have just witnessed a miracle. No one will believe me when I retell the story.’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘The profligate Earl of Colehill